YouSaid · the spoken record

Helg

lines on the record: 48
first: 2002-12-10
most recent: 2004-06-14
sittings or episodes: 7
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“In addition, we support the efforts of the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator to improve the collection, handling and dissemination of data on the effects of conflicts on the protection of civilians. We look forward to hearing more about the enhanced framework announced in the report of the Secretary-General.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Switzerland plans to hold an international conference on that subject in Geneva in November 2004 with the objective of effectively supporting the strengthening of civil society networks and initiatives, which we know to be essential for the success of peace processes. Fifthly, Switzerland is convinced of the relevance of the concept of human security, which aims to make human beings and their dignity the central focus of the international community. That concept has the merit of bringing together different approaches and thus enables us to define multidimensional protection strategies. In conclusion, Switzerland reaffirms its resolve to work for the protection of civilian populations. We shall continue our close cooperation with United Nations emergency relief mechanisms, particularly by making our expertise available.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Switzerland, as Chair of the Working Group, encourages all United Nations Members to participate constructively in the elaboration of a new international instrument to identify and trace small arms and light weapons in a timely and reliable manner. Such an instrument would enable States to fight the illicit trade in such weapons and thus help to improve the protection of civilian populations. Fourthly, the effects of armed conflicts on women - particularly the use of sexual violence as a military weapon - deserve greater attention on the part of the international community. Although significant efforts have already been undertaken, we need to develop additional protective measures. Moreover, we believe it is essential to strengthen the role of women in the search for and implementation of peaceful solutions to conflicts.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The second challenge is the need to fight impunity at both the national and international levels. In that context, Switzerland emphasizes the importance of the International Criminal Court and invites the Security Council to strengthen its commitment in that area by following up on the proposals formulated by the Secretary-General. Furthermore, in order to prevent crisis situations, Switzerland invites the Security Council to make greater use of the tools of observation and fact-finding missions. The third challenge is the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and its effects on civilian populations. Today, the Open-ended Working Group to Negotiate an International Instrument to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons began its first substantive session.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Protection of the civilian population - whether it be in armed conflicts, in transitional situations or in the fight against terrorism - is based primarily on respect for international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law. Respecting those laws and ensuring that they are respected involves informing the different actors, raising their awareness and making them responsible. Those actors include States - particularly their armed forces and police - but also non-State armed groups. Switzerland must also reiterate that the fundamental humanitarian principles of impartiality, neutrality and independence apply in all circumstances. Respect for those principles is an essential condition for guaranteeing sufficient scope for humanitarian action, both within and outside the United Nations system.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Mr. Helg (Switzerland) (spoke in French): My delegation thanks Mr. Egeland for his excellent presentation and notes with satisfaction the high quality of the report submitted by the Secretary- General. That document contains specific and realistic proposals which, if implemented, could decisively improve the level of protection for civilian populations in the 10 priority areas identified by the Emergency Relief Coordinator. While recognizing that all these challenges are priority issues, permit me to deal in greater detail only with some of them here. First of all, the importance of respect for law needs to be stressed.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“My country is of the view that the crucial question is whether the fight against terrorism within the framework of the United Nations should continue to be the primary responsibility of a subsidiary body of the Security Council. A possible alternative would be to establish a central office under the authority of the Secretary-General. In any event, a new formula should be found to enable all States to participate more fully in the current efforts to combat terrorism.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“Secondly, it is important to strengthen collaboration between the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Switzerland welcomes the fact that this is among the proposals in the report on the revitalization of the Committee. We would be interested in learning more about the concrete setting up of that liaison mechanism. The creation of the Counter-Terrorism Committee was an exceptional measure that was taken to respond quickly to an urgent situation. Today, we know that the fight against terrorism and its financing is a protracted challenge. Thus, it is necessary to think of the long term rather than of emergency measures. The planned re-examination of the Committee's new structures will provide an opportunity to reflect on the Committee's role in the long term.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“The necessary fight against terrorism can and must be carried out Without sacrificing respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law. In its resolution 58/187, adopted on 22 December 2003, the General Assembly underlined the importance of respect for human rights in formulating measures to combat terrorism and called for greater consideration of existing instruments and mechanisms in the area of human rights. In that context, I would like to stress two points. First, with respect to the planned improvement of the Counter-Terrorism Committee's ability to collect information, I would like to emphasize that it is necessary to collect and process that data in compliance with international rules on the protection of individuals and data.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“There is a need for synergy both with regional organizations and with specialized bodies such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, located in Vienna. As for visits to Member States, Switzerland welcomes the fact that clear guidelines will be established. The Al Qaeda and Taliban sanctions Committee, as well as experts from the Monitoring Group, are also carrying out such visits. It is vital that we exploit more effectively any future synergy between that Committee, its experts and the Counter-Terrorism Committee. On several occasions, Switzerland has expressed its determination to participate in the fight against terrorism and has demonstrated that determination through numerous specific measures.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“All Member States should be able to take part in the discussion of that plan from the outset, and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate should be established with full respect for the prerogatives of the Secretary-General and the institutional rules that govern the functioning of the Organization. The report on the revitalization of the Counter- Terrorism Committee is a first important step towards strengthening the role of the Committee. I would therefore like to highlight several aspects of this issue that Switzerland considers particularly important. First of all, there should be closer cooperation between the Committee and other international bodies concerned with terrorism. The Committee's activities should not duplicate or compete with what is being done elsewhere.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“Mr. Helg (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like first of all to thank Ambassador Arias for his briefing on the work done and the efforts made in recent months by him and all others involved in producing the report on the revitalization of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) (S/2004/124, annex). The fight against terrorism concerns the entire international community, and it is therefore essential that all States - not only the members of the Security Council - be given an opportunity to express their views. I therefore welcome this open debate. Switzerland hopes that that same concern for transparency will guide the future work of the Committee, in particular the discussion of the Action Plan that the new Executive Director will submit on the strengthening of the role of the Committee.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“Switzerland would like to recall here its conviction that the fight against terrorism should be carried out with determination, and that this can be done without sacrificing respect for human rights and the rule of law. This is particularly the case with respect to those sanctions targeting individuals or entities suspected of being involved in terrorist activities. To ensure the credibility and efficiency of the sanctions, it is important, even urgent, to work to improve the mechanisms for listing and de-listing the persons and entities targeted. In conclusion, Switzerland would like to reiterate its resolve to combat vigorously international terrorism and its determination to cooperate closely in this regard with the Council and with the bodies that the Council has established to that effect.”
2004-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4892 (2004) · source
“Last week, for example, a broad-based police operation was conducted in Switzerland in the framework of the judicial inquiry into the Riyadh attack of 12 May 2003. Eight foreign nationals were arrested, about 20 persons interrogated and many facilities searched. With regard more specifically to United Nations machinery, Switzerland ratified the 12 international conventions to combat terrorism and quickly implemented all the measures adopted by the Security Council. It has cooperated actively with the Counter- Terrorism Committee, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), and the Monitoring Group. We have also submitted the various reports expected of Member States pursuant to resolutions 1390 (2002) and 1455 (2003).”
2004-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4892 (2004) · source
“Switzerland orally presented to the sanctions Committee its observations on the working methods of the Monitoring Group and requested, through a letter dated 9 January 2004 addressed to the President of the Security Council, that its observations on certain inaccuracies contained in the report be distributed as an official document of the Security Council. For the future, Switzerland very much hopes for a more active and transparent dialogue with the Monitoring Group and Member States and hopes also that the sanctions Committee will set guidelines to that effect. Switzerland is cooperating closely with various countries in tracking down terrorist groups and in identifying their sources of financing.”
2004-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4892 (2004) · source
“The detailed briefing that you provided earlier, Mr. President, as Chairman of the sanctions Committee, attests to the quality of the work that you have carried out and to your personal commitment, as well as that of your team, over the past year. We welcome in particular the dialogue you conducted directly with the authorities of Member States so as to identify problems which might arise in the implementation of Security Council resolutions, as well as ways of solving them. Mr. President, you did not have the opportunity to go to Switzerland last year; however, members of the Monitoring Group met with representatives of the federal authorities during a September 2003 visit.”
2004-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4892 (2004) · source
“Mr. Helg (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having invited interested non-members of the Security Council to participate in this discussion, thereby making it possible for them to express their opinions on the work of the sanctions Committee and the Monitoring Group established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) on Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Switzerland shares your view, Sir, that terrorist activities carried out by Al Qaeda and associated groups will continue, in the next few years, to represent one of the major threats to international peace and security. The prevention and suppression of terrorism will be a long-term effort, and the United Nations, as the major body for multilateral cooperation, must continue to play a key role in this respect.”
2004-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4892 (2004) · source
“It is imperative to put an end to impunity through national legislation and international law in the light of the relevant provisions of the 1998 Rome Statute. In order to improve the safety of United Nations humanitarian workers, it is also necessary to draw on the lessons set out in the report of the Independent Panel on the Safety and Security of United Nations Personnel in Iraq. We welcome the measures taken by the Secretary-General to follow up on the recommendations ofthe experts. I would like to conclude by reaffirming that, because of its commitment to human security, Switzerland has significantly helped to promote and develop a culture of protection. We are thinking in particular about civilians in armed conflicts who have been left off political agendas, in areas often neglected by the media.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877Resumption1 (2003) · source
“It is also up to the Security Council to demand from all the actors involved, whether political, military or economic, greater diligence in providing protection for humanitarians. In this context, Switzerland calls for the effective implementation of the 2003 Oslo Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets To Support United Nations Humanitarian Activities in Complex Emergencies. Finally, the fact that humanitarian workers have become the target of deliberate attacks and the victims of kidnappings, assault and threats is absolutely unacceptable. Such acts make impossible, or have a serious negative impact on, the work of humanitarian organizations in support ofthe victims.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Switzerland also welcomes the recent conclusions of the meeting of the States parties to the 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons relating to Protocol V concerning post-conflict measures on explosive remnants of war. Switzerland encourages States to ratify that Protocol, which gives us reason to hope that explosive remnants of war will be removed and eliminated as quickly as possible after the end of hostilities and that protection of civilian populations will thereby be permanently improved. The obligation to guarantee safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors and to people in need of protection and assistance is another important element. This is the responsibility of both States and non-State groups.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The major challenge, however, remains to ensure that its principles are scrupulously and unfailingly implemented in all armed conflict situations by all parties to conflict, including non-State armed groups. Switzerland strongly encourages the use of all available instruments, notably the International Criminal Court and the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission, the latter of which was created on the basis of the First Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions. These mechanisms are fortifications against the weakening of international humanitarian law. As the Depositary of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, Switzerland calls upon all parties to those Conventions that have not already done so to ratify the Protocols and to consider lifting the reservations made in that respect.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877Resumption1 (2003) · source
“As a member of the Human Security Network, Switzerland encourages the Security Council to endorse this multidimensional concept as a way of protecting human dignity and improving the well-being of vulnerable people. The Red Cross Conference also adopted a Declaration and Agenda for humanitarian action. We invite the Security Council to take note of the important outcome of that Conference - the fruit of a unique exchange between States and civil society. Respect for international humanitarian law and the principles of the rule of law, as well as the proper functioning of national and international justice, are key factors for the increased protection of civilians. International humanitarian law has been called into question on a number of occasions, following the emergence of new forms of conflict.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877Resumption1 (2003) · source
“It now remains for us to ensure that these instruments are implemented and fleshed out by, for example, integrating the relevant provisions of Security Council resolution 1502 (2003) on the protection of United Nations personnel in conflict zones. During the twenty-eighth International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which recently concluded in Geneva, States discussed, under the general theme of human dignity, many aspects relating to the protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict or of disaster. The concept of human security creates a link between the humanitarian needs and the overall security needs of individuals.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Mr. Helg (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland welcomes this debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and we are grateful to Mr. Egeland for his very promising contribution. I should like also to thank the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for the useful update of the aide-memoire and ofthe road map. The new aide-memoire further takes into account the specific needs of women and children, as well as those of internally displaced persons. The new version of the road map facilitates the implementation of recommendations, thanks to the addition of a list of measures already taken, as well as of opportunities for action. We also welcome the attribution of concrete sets of responsibilities for the various recommendations.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Their experiences should be better known within the United Nations to allow opportunities for strengthening institutional partnerships. Switzerland also invites the Secretary- General to address in his report the obstacles which prevent national authorities from prosecuting international crimes and to assess ways to overcome such obstacles. I conclude by emphasizing that Switzerland is very interested in this initiative on the promotion of justice and the rule of law. It is very keen to contribute to the current reflection on ways to strengthen United Nations action and offers its assistance in those areas where it possesses relevant experience, such as constitutionalism and transitional justice.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“In concrete terms, this means that as soon as a peacekeeping operation is being considered, the United Nations must start to plan its engagement and must be given the means to act rapidly and in coordination with the other potential players. Switzerland welcomes the proposal of the Secretary-General to present a report on this subject. It invites him to highlight examples of good practice. In preparing that report it is desirable to undertake the broadest possible consultations within the United Nations system, but also among relevant institutional players and civil society. International organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Council of Europe and La Francophonie have been involved in promoting democracy and the rule of law for many years.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“More is required to ensure the submission of institutions to the law, the separation of powers and the free exercise of fundamental freedoms. From El Salvador to East Timor and Kosovo, the United Nations has acquired solid experience in promoting justice and the rule of law. Henceforth it is important to integrate this dimension in United Nations peace operations more systematically. Every Security Council mandate concerning post-conflict situations should include provisions on promoting justice and the rule of law. Justice - with its three pillars of the judiciary, the police and a correctional system - must be a constituent part of any peace and reconstruction process.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“In creating the two International Criminal Tribunals, the Security Council acknowledged the link between peace and international justice. The establishment of the International Criminal Court is a response to the same logic of complementarity between the pursuit of justice and the promotion of peace. While the International Criminal Court is independent from the United Nations, both institutions will benefit from a close and cooperative relationship. The establishment of democratic institutions and the institution of the rule of law are equally essential to prevent conflicts or re-igniting hostilities. Special assistance must be given to the parliament, the courts, lawyers associations and the police. Elections often signal the end of international involvement, but in themselves they are not enough to guarantee the rule of law.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“In his statement to the Security Council last week (4833rd meeting), the Secretary-General addressed the dilemmas which the simultaneous search for peace and justice can sometimes encounter. When the immediate objective is to stop a bloody civil war and to save the lives of innocent people, justice perhaps seems like a remote ideal. Sometimes, it is even perceived as an obstacle to peace. But peace does not just mean a halt to hostilities. It is lasting only if the society concerned finds a way leading to justice and reconciliation. In the long term, justice always acts in the service of peace. It is therefore important to prevent impunity. A peace agreement is not worthy of its name if it contains an amnesty for war crimes, genocide or other crimes against humanity.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“Mr. Helg (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Peace does not last unless it is founded on justice and respect for the law. This idea is expressed in the Preamble to the United Nations Charter and is one of the foundations of the Organization. Justice and respect for law must prevail first and foremost in relations between States. They must also constantly guide the action of the Security Council and the other bodies of the United Nations. Those two aspects are fundamental. However, our attention today is focused on a third aspect: the promotion of justice and the rule of law within societies that have been torn apart by war. I thank the United Kingdom for having taken the initiative to launch a process of reflection on the role of the United Nations in this area.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“If that option fails, we recall that in any case the use of force must be authorized by a Security Council resolution. Iraq holds the key to the resolution of the crisis. Switzerland appeals to the Iraqi Government to act in the true interests of its country. The international community recognizes Iraq's inalienable right to sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is urgent that the Iraqi Government understand the message of the Security Council and that it respond in the way that is expected of it. For its part, Switzerland will continue to work in the conviction that a negotiated solution can be found; we remain available to assist in any new effort that could contribute to the cause of peace.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Of course, we understand the argument of those who consider that readiness to use force is essential in order to strengthen the position of the United Nations inspectors. We appreciate that view and the efforts of those who have expressed it. But the time to make such a decision has not yet come. There is still a chance to achieve the objectives of resolution 1441 (2002) without violence and to contain the danger posed by proscribed weapons in Iraq. We can strengthen the inspection regime. The inspectors have made proposals to this effect, and we advocate giving them the additional means they require to enable them to pursue their task with the necessary efficiency and speed. The Security Council must remain determined and must persevere.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“It was agreed that humanitarian dialogue must be followed up and strengthened through a platform to address humanitarian questions concerning Iraq. If such a group is formed, it will act as a forum for the exchange of views aimed at strengthening existing coordinating mechanisms, rather than at duplicating them. Switzerland has declared its readiness to promote and to support such a group. During that meeting, the participants agreed that an armed conflict in the region would very probably have grave consequences for the local civilian population, not only in Iraq, where the situation is already precarious, but also in neighbouring countries. Against that background, we reiterate that resorting to force should be considered only after all peaceful means to find a solution to the crisis have been exhausted.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The actors involved explained what preparations they had made and what measures they had planned to respond in the event of armed conflict, inter alia, Iraq's neighbours expressed their concerns about the consequences they would face if hostilities broke out, while reminding participants of the overall dimension of the Iraq crisis and the need to share the burden fairly among States, in particular with regard to the question of refugees. The importance of ensuring respect for international humanitarian law, in particular the 1949 Geneva Conventions, was strongly reaffirmed. The discussion also covered the need to make the necessary resources available to humanitarian partners, both for planning and preparatory activities and to deal with immediate needs. The meeting provided an opportunity to clarify the humanitarian agenda.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Rightly concerned about the fate of the civilian population affected by the crisis in Iraq and the surrounding region, Switzerland recently held, in Geneva, a humanitarian meeting to suggest a platform for a humanitarian dialogue, to strengthen the exchange of information in that area and to highlight the humanitarian aspects of the crisis. The meeting was attended by 30 countries, including those neighbouring Iraq, and 20 humanitarian organizations, including all the main humanitarian agencies of the United Nations system, as well as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and other humanitarian non- governmental organizations.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We do not believe so. Our position is based on a dispassionate analysis of the situation. We are aware of the dangers inherent in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and we do not underestimate the risk that such weapons might one day fall into the hands of international terrorist networks. We are concerned, however, that a hasty military operation might create a violent shockwave in a region where a sustainable balance based on peace and mutual confidence has not yet been established. Furthermore, we dread the potential consequences of such action for the civilian population.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The inspectors have worked in an exemplary manner. Mr. Blix and Mr. ElBaradei have reported to the Security Council on several occasions. The facts set out in their conclusions, however, fall short of what we expected. The inspectors have pointed out that they have been granted access to all the sites they wanted to visit without hindrance and that they are making progress with their mission. They have also highlighted the fact that they have found no irrefutable proof that Iraq is continuing to manufacture weapons of mass destruction or that it is preparing to use them. But they have deplored the lack of active cooperation. We had expected the Iraqi Government to respond with a clear sign of good will. Its ambivalent attitude has not restored confidence. Does that mean that the moment has come to resort to the use of force?”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Mr. Helg (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Faced with the Iraqi crisis, the international community is now at a crossroads. The Government of Iraq has failed to dispel the suspicion that it still possesses weapons of mass destruction - weapons that it has used in the past both against its own people and in its military operations abroad. By refusing to cooperate with the United Nations, it has inflicted enormous suffering on its own people, in particular its most vulnerable sectors. On 8 November 2002, the Security Council gave the Iraqi regime a chance to resume its place within the international community. To that end, the Security Council demanded that the Iraqi Government cooperate fully, actively and unconditionally with the inspectors who are responsible for identifying and destroying banned weapons.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Switzerland would like to assure the international community and the competent bodies of the United Nations of its unreserved willingness to cooperate fully to promote and bring about a culture of protection that benefits civilian populations.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The response of the international community to this challenge must also aim at raising the awareness of all actors, including private actors and economic players, and to encourage them to act responsibly with regard to the basic principles of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The first policy dialogue initiated in the context of the Global Compact has produced encouraging results. Switzerland will continue to provide active support for that initiative, which we believe is moving in the right direction. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the appreciation of the Swiss authorities for all the efforts that have been undertaken to date, in particular by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. It is now necessary to implement the recommendations with determination and in a constructive spirit.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“It also indicates that the illicit exploitation of natural resources continues to feed a number of conflicts throughout the world. Measures must be taken in this area, and the report of the Secretary-General provides various approaches in that regard. I am therefore pleased to note that the main countries involved in the production of, or the trade in, diamonds agreed at Interlaken, Switzerland, last November to launch an international certification system. That system aims at combating the illegal trade in diamonds, which is financing numerous conflicts.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“For that reason, Switzerland supports the project that was launched by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs at the Inter- Agency Standing Committee to prepare a manual on the subject of the terms of engagement with armed groups. It is also necessary to remind both local and expatriate humanitarian personnel that their conduct towards the beneficiaries of humanitarian assistance must be beyond reproach. In that regard, we welcome the promulgation of guiding principles for all United Nations civilian staff. We also call on humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organizations active in this field to adapt their codes of conduct to those principles and to ensure that they are respected. Finally, the report of the Secretary-General reveals the criminalization of the economy of war.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Such acts or threats often render impossible access to victims by humanitarian organizations. Safe, rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian personnel to vulnerable persons is a basic condition for strengthening the protection of civilians. States, which are the main guarantors of the protection of civilians, as well as armed groups, must ensure the necessary access to vulnerable people. That is a primary responsibility stemming from international humanitarian law. Switzerland believes that a structured dialogue between humanitarian players and armed groups can facilitate access to vulnerable persons.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The agenda should now be implemented without delay to bring about positive results on the ground, especially on behalf of refugees and other vulnerable groups. Switzerland is also convinced that the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement provide an adequate response to the needs of internally displaced persons. We encourage the speedy implementation of those principles. The report of the Secretary-General underlines the urgency of the issues of the security of humanitarian personnel and of access to vulnerable groups. I would like to pay tribute to the commitment and dedication of humanitarian personnel who are carrying out indispensable work in often precarious and even dangerous situations. Humanitarian workers are too often the victims of hostage-taking and attack.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In the light of serious violations of the Conventions and of Additional Protocol I of 1977, Switzerland considers that it is timely to remind the High Contracting Parties that they are obligated, by virtue of article 89 of that Protocol, to act jointly or individually, in cooperation with the United Nations and in conformity with its Charter. That article is complementary to the obligation of the High Contracting Parties to respect, and to ensure respect for, international humanitarian law in all circumstances. The report of the Secretary-General accords appropriate attention to the specific rights and needs of vulnerable groups. Switzerland welcomes the agenda for protection adopted at the last meeting of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Switzerland resolutely condemns all recourse to terrorist violence. It also emphasizes that the fight against terrorism, to which it subscribes entirely, must itself be conducted with full respect for international humanitarian law and human rights. Strengthened international humanitarian law, international justice and the principles of the rule of law are key factors for enhancing the protection of civilians. Switzerland welcomes the entry into force on 1 July 2002 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. In its capacity as High Contracting Party to and the depositary State of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977, Switzerland would like to take the opportunity of this debate to invite all States that have not yet done so to ratify the Additional Protocols as soon as possible.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The report of the Secretary-General describes efforts at the institutional level to ensure closer cooperation within the Secretariat, in particular between the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. Switzerland welcomes these efforts to address different aspects of protection in a more systematic and coordinated fashion. Over the past decade civilian populations have been not only the main victims of the consequences of armed conflict but frequently the deliberate targets of acts of violence committed by parties to conflicts. That development, which has been exacerbated by the upsurge of terrorist acts, which are indiscriminate by definition, goes against the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and of human rights.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. Helg (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland welcomes the convening of this open debate dedicated to the protection of civilians in armed conflict. It thanks the Secretary-General for his report (S/2002/ 1300) and notes with satisfaction its concrete and systematic nature. The efforts of the Security Council on this issue have produced a significant set of recommendations. It is now necessary to ensure their implementation and, if necessary, to supplement them. I would like at the outset to say that my country fully associates itself with the views of the Human Security Network on the protection of civilians in armed conflict as they will be stated later by Austria.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source